A Grand Start – Pass In Review Parade & Tours
We kicked off Alumni Homecoming Weekend in the best way possible—with the Pass in Review Parade, a time-honored tradition that symbolizes discipline, pride, and the strong foundation built at Admiral Farragut Academy.
We were honored that retired Brig. Gen. Charlie Duke ’53S USAF (Ret.) and RADM Mark Buzby ’75N USN (Ret.) were the reviewing officers for the parade. Seeing our alumni standing tall as the cadets marched in formation was a proud moment. The Pass in Review was made special with our 6th grader, Emma Schuck, who beautifully sang the National Anthem and brought tears to many.
Following the parade, alumni had the opportunity to explore the campus on cadet-led tours and witness firsthand the exciting advancements in our aviation, engineering, and leadership programs.
After a couple of weeks of brutal winter in St. Petersburg, we all enjoyed a beautiful sunny weekend of 70 degrees, and some of the alumni groups participated in boat rides from Master Chief Kuhl in Boca Ciega Bay.
Celebrating Excellence – Lunch & State of the School Address
The President’s Luncheon was a true highlight, bringing together alumni, faculty, and guests to reflect on AFA’s past, present, and future. Kevin Lockerbie delivered an inspiring State of the School Address, outlining our academy’s achievements, exciting developments, and vision for the future.
We heard from four senior cadets who shared their accomplishments at Farragut and upcoming goals to attend college or a service academy. A special call out to Camden Stern, class of 2025, who has a letter of intent to attend the Merchant Marine Academy like our fellow alumnus and board member, RADM Mark Buzby ’75N USN (Ret.).
Unforgettable Moments – Tailgate & Varsity Basketball Game
The Tailgate at the President’s House was a fantastic gathering of alumni, family, and friends. It was filled with laughter, great food, and memories shared across generations. It was the perfect setting to reconnect and celebrate the strength of the Farragut bond.
One of the most emotional moments of the weekend was honoring the 1971 Undefeated Basketball Team and remembering Sylvio Brutus ’98; Faculty members Mark Panuthos and Calvin Brown presented a shadow box with his #44 basketball jersey to his widow, Shannan Green and family; it was a heartfelt tribute to his legacy. Sylvio was a student and a coach who mentored hundreds of students at the Academy. His legacy will continue to be honored through this annual basketball game. Luigi Moxam ’98 made a special tribute to Sylvio and Calvin Brown, who has also guided and mentored hundreds of cadets through his dedication of over th
The evening was capped off by an exciting basketball game, where alumni and students came together in camaraderie.
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Taking to the Skies – Aviation Rides & Basketball Tributes
Saturday morning brought an unforgettable experience as alumni took to the skies with Rob Ewing, Director of the Aviation Department, who piloted plane rides over St. Petersburg. Seeing the world from above—as many of you did during your time at AFA—was a thrilling way to reconnect with our school’s aviation legacy.
The Sylvio Brutus ‘98 Memorial Basketball Game was an excellent showing from current students and a few alumni who played several games. The younger competition did not scare off Kevin Gordon ’75, who played in three of the games. Gordon brought his wife, brother, Keith Gordon ’76, and family to watch the games. Two attendees of the basketball game, Greg and Kerry Salomon, shared with Sylvio’s widow, Shannan Green, that their son, Daniel Salomon ’11, would not have received an appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy without Sylvio’s
guidance and mentorship. It was a great time on and off the court as all the players sported their Sylvio T-shirts.
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Alumni Honors – Inductions, Reunions & Distinctions
The evening’s Champagne Reception & Dinner was indeed a special occasion. His granddaughter, Sterling Duke Crawford, unveiled a stunning Charlie Duke’s ’53S oil portrait. The “Portrait of Apollo Astronaut Charles M. Duke ‘53 Jr.” Having Brig. Gen. Charlie Duke ’53S USFA (Ret.) himself, as our honored guest, made the moment even more meaningful. Sterling has loaned this incredible oil portrait to the Academy over the next three years. It will be displayed in the Wagner Lobby of DeSeta Hall.
The Master of Ceremonies, David Yoho ’68N, led the night of celebration, recognizing milestone class reunions for alumni celebrating 40, 50, and 60 years. The Sports Hall of Fame induction was presented by Randy Russell ’71S, who reminisced about the outstanding undefeated regular season for the 1971 Varsity Basketball Team. The team took the stage to receive their awards. Mike Crossen ’71S, Stephen Dunn ’71S, Gary Frierson ’71S, Donald Wolff ’71S, Walter Leskuski ’72S, and Robert Hudson ’71S were in attendance on behalf of the team. The team framed the basketball net from the undefeated season that Coach Gerdon had kept, and Robert presented it to Kevin Lockerbie to display in the Huntly Gymnasium.
The prestigious President’s Distinguished Alumnus Award, which recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exemplary leadership, service, and dedication to their field and embody the values and mission of Admiral Farragut Academy, was presented by Kevin Lockerbie to RADM Mark Buzby ’75N USN (Ret.) His distinguished career spans over four decades of service to our nation. His exceptional contributions as a leader in the maritime and transportation industries and his commitment to public service have left a lasting impact on the military, the maritime sector, and beyond. Among his many achievements, he served as the U.S. Maritime Administration Administrator and Commander of the Military Sealift Command, where his vision and leadership significantly advanced the nation’s strategic transportation capabilities. His legacy is one of unwavering dedication, integrity, and innovation. It was a great celebration in his remarkable service to our nation and his alma mater.
The honorable guest speaker, Brig. Gen. Charlie Duke ’53S USFA (Ret.) reflected on the rigorous academic and military-style training at Farragut, which laid the foundation for his success. He spoke of the teachers and mentors who challenged and inspired him, pushing him to strive for excellence and preparing him for the demanding road ahead. The values of integrity, resilience, and teamwork—ingrained in him during his formative years—proved essential as he navigated flight school, became an astronaut, and, ultimately, the youngest man to walk on the moon as part of the Apollo 16 mission. He credited his faith and his wife, Dotty, for sustaining him along his incredible journey. Charlie and Dotty reside in South Carolina and have two sons, nine grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. They enjoy traveling the world and giving inspirational speeches.
